Question

How would I solve this problem? I made 3 equations and derived 2 final equations to use by substituting in for FT1 and FT2, then set those equal and solved for acceleration, but I'm not sure my answer is right.

I have included 2 pictures, 1 is the problem, and 1 is what I did and my resulting answer.

Answer 1

(1) F1 = M1 a = 2 a force accelerating block1

(2) F2 - F1 = M2 a = 3 a force accelerating block 2

(3) M3 g - F2 = M3 a = force accelerating block 3

10 g -F2 = 10 a F2 = 10 g - 10 a

(1) & (2) F2 - 2 a = 3 a

(4) F2 = 5 a

(3) & (4) 5 a = 10 g - 10 a

10 g = 15 a

a = 2 g / 3